The Gnomon Workshop offers the most comprehensive set of Digital Production tutorials anywhere. The broad scope of the tutorials contained in this section range from foundational understanding of the software tools all the way to the professional application of these tools and concepts used by artists working in the film and game industries.

Entertainment Design

The Gnomon Workshop is widely regarded as the global leader in training tutorials for the designer working in the entertainment industry. With tutorials ranging from foundational drawing and design concepts to process tutorials from some of the top concept and character designers in the world, there is surely something here to inspire.

Tattooing

As the tattoo industry has seen an explosion in popularity over the last few years, the need training in this field has also grown. In these video tutorials, some of the top tattoo artists in the world share their techniques and their take on the art of tattoo. The tutorials range from absolute beginner level to advanced color and blending techniques used by some of the world's best.

Software

The Gnomon Workshop offers professional training on most of the software applications used in today's digital pipelines. There are foundational titles to introduce users to the software and tools, as well as advanced production titles that discuss application tools and processes vital to the production of digital assets and media.

The Gnomon Workshop seeks out the most highly-regarded traditional and digital artists and technicians currently working in the entertainment and design industries. Our instructors have shared their practices working at such top studios as Pixar, ILM, Blizzard, and many more.

Houdini Randomization and Scattering

with Robby Branham

In this title, Senior Visual Effects Artist Robby Branham provides a broad overview of randomization and scattering in Side FX’s Houdini 17. Houdini has several ways to generate randomization and Robby discusses the basics of HScript and VEX script through the Point SOP node and parameter expressions.

Mech Design for the Entertainment Industry

with Furio Tedeschi

Sci-Fi Fantasy Design and Illustration

with Yohann Schepacz

Concept Artist and Art Director Yohann Schepacz demonstrates his process to create a compelling and highly rendered illustration of a feline creature using photo manipulation and painting techniques in Photoshop.

Designing for Production in ZBrush

with Rafael Grassetti

Art Director Rafael Grassetti demonstrates his entire process of designing and creating a character in ZBrush. He explores the different tools and techniques used to sketch concepts while keeping the mindset of later creating a character for production.

Interview with Rob Nederhorst

by Genese Davis

Visual Effects Supervisor and compositor, Rob Nederhorst, possesses unique talent and has produced critically acclaimed work on titles such as Thor, Captain American, Iron Man 2, The Day after Tomorrow, Daredevil, and Star Trek: Nemesis.

Introduction to Houdini 17

with Robby Branham

In this title, Senior Visual Effects Artist Robby Branham provides a thorough introduction to Side FX’s Houdini 17. It’s an exciting time when you first start working inside of a procedural 3D environment.

Designing a Modular Environment using Unreal

with Brian Recktenwald

Environment Artist Brian Recktenwald guides you through his workflow for creating a subway environment with some supernatural elements. In breaking down the scene, Brian takes you through his entire creation process of reference gathering, modeling modular blockouts & assets in 3ds Max...

Complete Lighting in Unreal Engine

with Charleston Silverman

Using a pirate ship cabin created for this tutorial, this environment utilizes features and techniques such as modulated and static mesh emissive lighting to bounce and volumetric lighting. Some of the topics covered include: general lighting dos and don'ts, standard light actors: points, spot, and directional, dynamic lighting techniques, light functions, IES profiles and post processing.

Creating an Illustration from A to Z

with Pascal Blanché

In this workshop, Senior Art Director and Illustrator Pascal Blanché guides you through his entire process of creating an illustration in his signature style. Pascal starts the creative process by gathering reference images and inspiration through sci-fi and fantasy. Using 3ds Max, he begins by posing a base character model followed by a kit bashing session to block-out the overall design.

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Creating 360° Concept Art for Production

with Nick Hiatt

In this workshop, Matte Painter, Concept Artist and Art Director Nick Hiatt shares his process for creating 360 Concept Art for Production. Using 2D techniques in Photoshop and After Effects, as well as 3D tools such as Maya, ZBrush, Daz3D and V-Ray, Nick demonstrates how to combine both 2D and 3D approaches together seamlessly to create stunning 360 images.

2D Fantasy Illustration

with Jana Schirmer

In this workshop, Jana Schirmer shares her complete process of painting a Fantasy Illustration from start to finish in Adobe Photoshop using a workflow that she uses for almost all of her professional and personal work.

BFA Degree in Digital Production

Gnomon’s New Four-Year Degree Program

The full-time BFA in Digital Production is designed to produce production-ready artists versed in general academic knowledge, foundational arts, and production skills. The curriculum is taught in Hollywood and covers all aspects of a 3D generalist skill set.

Study at Gnomon in Hollywood

Gnomon – School of Visual Effects, Games + Animation

Gnomon helps students reach their goals in digital production through a variety of educational options, including a full-time BFA degree, full-time vocational programs, and over 100 individual courses – all taught at the heart of the entertainment industry

Enter the Contest and Win Gnomon Workshop Subscription!

Every month we create new 2D and 3D challenges. Winners receive up to 1 Year Gnomon Workshop Subscription. Good luck! Contest Details

Contest Details

About the Image Challenge

Online communities have proven to be an amazing resource for artists. The Gnomon Workshop has had the unique opportunity to inspire, motivate and train artists from all walks of life and all around the globe, and our forum is a great place for you to share your work with other artists who have a passion for learning and community. Every month we create a new challenge based on specific themes. Our judges select four winners from the 2D Concept and 3D Concept categories (8 total), who will receive up to 1 Year Gnomon Workshop Subscription!

What criteria are used to pick the winner?

The winners are chosen based on our judges' personal criteria, however we often award prizes to artists whose CONCEPTS or IDEAS are excellent, regardless of technical execution. While first place awards tend to bias to a combination of concept AND technical merit, we often choose winners who show POTENTIAL. We love to see new artists emerge, and this is a good way to give artists exposure while rewarding them for their talents.

1st Place1 Year Gnomon Workshop Subscription

2nd Place6 Months Gnomon Workshop Subscription

3rd Place3 Months Gnomon Workshop Subscription

4th Place1 Months Gnomon Workshop Subscription

Testimonials

Gnomon has created a series of tutorials that will appeal to anyone interested in a career path in visual arts. The availability of these lessons represents a significant opportunity for artists everywhere to elevate their skillsets to the next level.

Gnomon tutorials are a staple in our libraries at Disney Feature Animation. Artist training is very important at Disney, and has been since the days of Walt. We rely on the tutorials to supplement our classes and to provide a more personalized schedule for the production artist seeking to broaden their skill sets.

I'd like thank you guys for all the hard work you've done over the years. I didn't have money for college so I spent what money I could come up with on your video series. Because of your excellent training tutorials, I was able to create a reel that got me a job where I am today and I am eternally thankful.

Matt SkonickiCinematics Character Artist, Midway Games

Their professors – and founders – are people who truly inspire. They don't just teach the 'how to' – they give you context, understanding and expectations of 'how to on the job'. Theirs is a practical approach to actually working in film, video and gaming. It's that amazing ideal, where art and making a living peacefully co-exist. You can certainly become a successful working artist without Gnomon, but with their pedigree, placement stats, culture and track record, why take that chance?